Choosing the right intruder alarm system for your home or business is no easy task. Nowadays, there are so many different high-tech options that it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got a guide to show you some of the different types of intruder alarms and their key features, this should help you make an informed decision on your property's security system.

If you're looking for a bespoke home or commercial security system, complete with an intruder alarm, we can help. Get in touch with the IDS team now.

Passive Infrared (PIR) Detector 

Typically one of the most common types of intruder alarms, passive infrared detectors are mounted on walls around a property and are triggered by a change in radiant heat. A single passive infrared detector is capable of monitoring an area between 10 and 15 metres in front of it, meaning you only need to install a few of these around a single building to achieve maximum protection. 

How do passive infrared detectors work?

This type of intruder alarm has two beams that gather information about the space in front of it and splitting it into different 'planes' (up to 20 different zones). If the alarm will sense a change in radiant heat between its planes or zones, for example, if a person enters the room, the alarm will trigger. As you can imagine, an empty shop shouldn't have people walking around it at night, so these alarms are effective at detecting intruders. 

Where should I install a passive infrared detector?

As you can imagine, the passive infrared detectors we mentioned above aren't suitable for all kinds of places. If you installed a passive infrared detector in a family home, for example, you'd probably find it's triggered by the dog multiple times a day! As such, passive infrared detectors are best suited to locations that are vacant for long periods during the day/night. Commercial properties like shops and offices tend to find passive infrared detectors more effective than residential properties.

Quad Element PIR Detectors

If you're worried about false alarms, there is an advanced PIR detector that might be more reliable. On the whole, quad element PIR detectors are similar to the standard passive infrared detectors, however, there are two detectors working side by side. Both need to be triggered to set off the alarm.

How do quad element passive infrared detectors work?

Unlike a standard PIR detector, the quad element PIR detector has four beam planes working at the same time. So, an anomaly in one of the sensors shouldn't lead to a false alarm as often as it might do with a standard PIR detector. This type of intruder alarm has become a lot more popular over the last few years.

Where should I install a quad element passive infrared detector?

Since these alarm systems are more reliable and less prone to false alarms, they can be installed pretty much anywhere!

Monitored Intruder Alarms

Most intruder alarms are great for alerting people in the local area, but that doesn't always mean that someone will respond and stop the incident in its tracks. If you're looking for the best type of intruder alarm to prevent active break-ins, we'd recommend a monitored intruder alarm.

These are regular intruder alarms that are accompanied by a monitoring contract. Here, someone will monitor and respond to suspicious activity in real-time without you having to lift a finger. With this type of intruder alarm & contract, you can rest assured that the relevant emergency services will be on the scene as quickly as possible.

Read More: Burglar Alarm Monitoring from IDS Security

Where should I install a monitored intruder alarm?

Monitored intruder alarms can provide an additional layer of security in any location. Whether it's an office block, your home, or your shop. If you're looking for a simple & cost-effective type of intruder alarm, this might not be the best option for you - simply because the monitoring contract is an ongoing cost. That being said, if you're looking for the highest level of security and you're happy to pay for the additional monitoring service, then this is one of the best intruder alarm options on the market.

Here at IDS Security, we offer a number of different types of intruder alarms to suit your security needs perfectly! Our technicians will work with you to help you create a bespoke security system for your home or business. By tailoring our systems to suit you, we can offer the maximum level of security and reassurance.

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Having an intruder in your home is a nightmare scenario that everyone hopes will never happen to them.

In figures published by the Office of National Statistics, it was reported that over 430,000 burglaries occurred in England and Wales during the year ending June 2018. That's a 2% increase on the previous year.

That figure equates to around seven burglaries per thousand people. According to Brandwatch.com, the average Facebook user has around 338 Facebook friends - so, statistically speaking, two of your Facebook friends will be burgled in the next year.

Burglary and home invasion are rare but real occurrences, which begs the question: what would you do if an intruder entered your house while you were in?

This guide is here to help you answer that question and prepare for this worst-case scenario.

What to Do During a Break-In

So, picture the scene: you're at home, you hear the sound of glass breaking downstairs, and you know there's someone in your house. What do you do?

It's often recommended that you either:

• Escape the premises and get to safety, calling the police as soon as you are able to do so, or...
• Hide in a safe place where the intruder is unlikely to find you. This may be a safe, lockable room (ideally one equipped with a phone) or a safe spot that is out of general visibility.

While confrontation isn't encouraged, self-defence may be necessary if you come face to face with the intruder(s). At this point, it's good to know that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) allows anyone to use "reasonable force" to protect themselves or others. You are also permitted to carry out a citizen's arrest in order to prevent a crime.

However, it's important to note that this isn't a green light to act like John McClane. Confronting an intruder can result in dire consequences, especially if the invading party is armed. You should only engage your intruder as a last resort - it's always best to get out if you can, or hide if escape isn't possible.

Preventing a Break-In

It's long been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and taking certain security measures can help to ward off intruders before they've even set foot in your home.

The mere presence of a camera or alarm in a visible spot attached to your property can be enough of a warning sign to dissuade opportunistic criminals, making them a great crime deterrent as well as a useful reactive safety feature.

Home Security from IDS

We at IDS Security, we offer a variety of options to help keep you, your family and your property safe from home invasions, ranging from basic intruder alarms to state-of-the-art surveillance equipment.

House Alarms

Monitored around the clock from a remote monitoring station, our high-quality house alarm systems utilise the latest digital signalling equipment to provide ample protection in the event of break-in, alerting the emergency services should such an incident occur.

Access Control Systems

While more commonly used for business premises, door entry systems can also be used to great effect in residences. They offer designated people access to specific rooms using a card, fob, etc. This can be particularly useful if you want to keep a particular room off-limits - ideal for a safe room.

CCTV Cameras

We use cutting-edge security innovations to provide you with the most advanced CCTV solutions available. This can include digital recording, fibre optic / radio transmission and computer monitoring, as well as remote-controlled lights.

For more information on our home safety systems, call 029 20 753 251 today to speak with one of our specialists or contact us online via the link below.

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No one wants to feel in danger at their own property, whether its somewhere you live or somewhere you work an intruder poses a devastating threat to you and your property. The best way to deter or to catch an intruder is to install a security system that is designed specifically to protect your lifestyle. 

At IDS we offer top-of-the-range intruder alarm installation that will reassure you that you are protected. We create advanced security systems that fit into your lifestyle because they are designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need an intruder alarm for your business or home, we have something to make you feel safer. To learn more about our intruder alarm systems, click here. 

Your intruder alarm can be monitored around the clock, and our engineers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This means not only will your intruder alarm installation reassure you that any criminals will be caught, but that your alarm system is performing it's best to look after you and your family. An intruder alarm has lots of other benefits too, such as:

• Acts as a deterrent against break-in attempts.
• Provides peace of mind, even when you are away from your property.
• Reduces insurance costs.
  
  

We recommend our intruder alarm installation as our experienced team are experts in providing top-quality service. Thanks to decades worth of experience within the industry, there is no one better to carry out your intruder alarm installation. The installation of the intruder alarm is paramount to the effectiveness of any security solution and we can help you learn about the system and how to use it to its full capabilities. 

To find out more about any of our security systems, or any of the other services we offer feel free to get in touch with our expert team. Contact us today.